Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project

Between July 26th and August 11th 2018, MassDOT will finalize the Commonwealth Avenue Deck Replacement Project, replacing the westbound side of the bridge that crosses over I-90 (Massachusetts Turnpike). 

This project will reduce the number of lanes on I-90 and affect entry and exit points to I-90 in Allston; it will close the BU Bridge and Commonwealth Avenue between Kenmore Square and Packard's Corner to all traffic except MBTA buses, pedestrians, bicycles, and emergency vehicles (local business and residential traffic will be permitted on Comm Ave). Transit service will also be impacted by detours and shuttle bus options will be provided.

Significant traffic disruptions are expected and commuters using these travel options should expect delays. See the FAQs below for a more detailed list of impacts.

Commuting Suggestions:

  • Use Transit - if you normally drive to campus, consider driving to an MBTA station and using transit instead, and use the Harvard shuttle system, including the M2 if possible. Preview a route now to see what could work for you and reach out to CommuterChoice if you need some ideas. Download the Transit app for your smartphone to recieve real-time updates.
  • Walk - depending on your commute route, walking could be your fastest option; even if you take transit, walking to/from a stop could save you time if traffic gets congested. You might find an interesting route from WalkBoston's walking maps. The project area will remain open to pedestrians.
  • Bike - pedal past the congestion! The project area will be open for cyclists, and with reduced vehicular traffic this could be a good opportunity to try a new route. Use the free Park&Pedal lots if you live too far to bike all the way, and try BlueBikes (formerly known as Hubway) if you don't own a bike but can access a station.
  • Drive with others - if driving is your only option, share the ride with another Harvard driver to help keep the number of cars on the road to a minimum. Register with Zimride and Bay State Commute to be connected with nearby commuters. 
  • Adjust your work schedule - if possible, try arranging your work schedule to start earlier or later, a compressed work week (hours are worked in fewer days), or work remotely. The Office of Work/Life has great resources to help you and your manager discuss terms of a flexible work arrangement.
  • Ask Us! The CommuterChoice team can provide individual suggestions for you - just use our Personalized Commuting Assistance form to get the conversation started. 

 

At any time, the information contained on this page could change; all commuters are urged to keep themselves updated on travel impacts due to road closures related to this project. Please refer frequently to the following resources: 

MassDOT Comm Ave Bridge Replacement Project for project updates and to sign up for email updates

MBTA for updates to transit service and to sign up for T-alerts

Transit app for real-time transit service updates and travel options

TransLoc Rider app for real-time tracking of the Harvard and M2 shuttles

MassDOT GoTime app for road travel time info    

This page last updated 5-2-18

The following roadways will be impacted:

  • I-90/Massachusetts Turnpike
  • Beacon Street
  • Cambridge Street
  • Carlton Street
  • Commonwealth Avenue
  • Harvard Avenue/Harvard Street
  • Massachusetts Avenue (Cambridge and Boston)
  • Memorial Drive
  • River Street
  • Soldiers Field Road
  • Storrow Drive
  • University Road

Stay updated! This information is subject to change at any time; please refer to the following sources for the most up to date information:

MassDOT Comm Ave Bridge Replacement Project for project updates and to sign up for email updates

MassDOT GoTime app for road travel time info   

MBTA for updates to transit service and to sign up for T-alerts and Transit app for real-time transit service updates and travel options

This page last updated 5-2-18

Commuter Rail Framingham/Worcester Line

  • Weekday service will be maintained
  • Weekend shuttle bus service will be provided July 28-29 and August 4-5

MBTA Green Line B Branch (Babcock St. to Blandford St.)

  • Closed from 5AM July 27 - 5AM August 11; shuttle service will be provided

MBTA Bus Routes 

  • 57: two-way normal route with two outbound stops omitted
  • CT2: detours from 7PM July 26 to 5AM August 11
  • 47: detours from 7PM July 26 to 5AM August 11
  • maps and details

Harvard Shuttles (including MASCO M2 Route)

  • No detours are planned for Harvard shuttles
  • The MASCO M2 Coolidge Corner evening route will terminate at Comm. Ave. instead of continuing on to Central and Harvard Squares 
  • Passengers should expect delays related to increased traffic; follow TransLoc Rider for real-time tracking and service updates 

Stay updated! This information is subject to change at any time; please refer to the following sources for the most up to date information:

MassDOT Comm Ave Bridge Replacement Project for project updates and to sign up for email updates

MBTA for updates to transit service and to sign up for T-alerts; Transit app for real-time transit service updates and travel options; TransLoc Rider app for real-time Harvard and M2 shuttle tracking and updates

This page last updated 7-13-18

Detailed maps and information of driving, pedestrian, bicycle, and transit detours are available from these sources:
 

 

This information could change at any time; please refer to the following sources for the most current information:

  • MassDOT Comm Ave Bridge Replacement Project for project updates and to sign up for email updates
  • MBTA for updates to transit service and to sign up for T-alerts and Transit app for real-time transit service updates and travel options
  • Refer to road information signs for updates on I-90 ramp closures and detours

This page last updated 7-17-18

If you normally drive to campus by…
 

  • Travelling to Cambridge/Allston from the west on I-90: eastbound Exit 18 to Cambridge Street is expected to remain open; however, delays due to increased traffic and congestion should be expected. 
  • Travelling westbound on I-90 from Allston: The I-90 wesbound on-ramp is expected to remain open; however, delays due to increased traffic and congestion should be expected. 
  • Travelling from the east on I-90 (or north on I-93 to I-90) and use the Allston exit: Exit 20 will be closed intermittently. From I-90 westbound, continue to Exit 16 (Rt 16 W Newton/Wellesley) and follow signs to access I-90 eastbound. Continue on I-90 eastbound to Exit 18 (Brighton/Cambridge) and use the eastbound off-ramp to exit onto Cambridge Street.
  • Travelling eastbound on I-90 from Allston: The I-90 Eastbound on-ramp from Cambridge Street/Soldiers Field Road will be closed. Use the I-90 westbound on-ramp to continue onto I-90 westbound, then take Exit 16 (Rt 16 W Newton/Wellesley) and follow signs to access I-90 eastbound.
  • Travelling from the south (via Jamaicaway, Riverway, Rt 9, etc.) and you normally cross the BU Bridge as part of your commute: both the BU Bridge and Comm Ave closures will likely affect your route and you should refer to the MassDOT detour map for suggested options.
  • Traveling from the north on I-93 or Rt 1 and usually take Storrow Drive inbound and outbound: expect heavier than usual traffic and delays and consider alternative routes.

This information could change at any time; please refer to the following sources for the most current information:

This page last updated 5-2-18

If you walk, run or bike, here are some additional points to be aware of:

  • Two-way access for pedestrians and cyclists will be maintained across the BU Bridge and along Commonwealth Avenue during the project; however, significant travel disruptions are expected and if you normally bike or walk to campus, please be aware of traffic patterns around you as they may change due to the construction. 
  • Refer to the MassDOT detour map for bike and pedestrian detour routes around the construction area
  • Blue Bikes (formerly known as Hubway) provide an option for short bike trips and stations near construction will offer discounted rentals
  • Memorial Drive is scheduled to remain open to vehicular traffic on two Sundays during this project (July 29 and August 5)

 

This information could change at any time; please refer to the following sources for the most current information:

  • MassDOT Comm Ave Bridge Replacement Project for project updates and to sign up for email updates
  • MBTA for updates to transit service and to sign up for T-alerts and Transit app for real-time transit service updates and travel options
  • Refer to road information signs for updates on I-90 ramp closures and detours and check the MassDOT GoTime app for road travel times.

This page last updated 5-2-18